“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford

It is beyond doubt that, were it not for the determination and unity of the Labour government, the rapid unfolding of events in the past months could have created a serious threat to the country’s stability. The dignified way in which we have ensured a smooth transition period for the necessary changes at the helm of the Party in government are proof of Labour’s characteristic values of putting the country first. 

Despite the innuendos and surmises leading to the election of a new Leader and Prime Minister, the Labour Party structures, and its members managed, to secure a postive outcome which, in turn, has guaranteed a smooth transition and a fast return to normality in government business. National unity and stability have always been paramount to Labour throughout its 100-year history, and the recent months have been a clear sign of our innate strength when it comes to safeguarding the nation’s interests first and foremost.

Contrasting scenarios

Obviously, this has all been in sharp contrast with the evident turmoil within the Party in Opposition – shattered as it is with internal strife that is threatening the very relevance of its constitutional role. In fact, the members of the Opposition, together with their leader, are expected to stand in as a government-in-waiting, as long as they are consistent in – and prepared with – alternative proposals, policies and strategies at national level.

In the past seven years, the party – or parties – in opposition have become so heavily afflicted with internal burdens and conflicts that today there is no room left for any of their members to focus on what really matters: the good of the country and its people. The only time they contribute towards parliamentary debate is by spewing negative criticism, deviating from the essentials without care or consideration of the common good and harming the country’s reputation both locally and abroad. As the American politician Frank Luntz says: “A political party should be defined by what it stood for, not by what it was against.”

The situation is such that little is known about their raison d’etre. Their traditional slogan ‘religio et patria’ has long been vilified, trampled upon and distorted – now long live confusion and division!

Nothing should be taken for granted

It is evident that a sharp contrast exists between the two sides of our political divide. However, the overwhelming and long-standing support enjoyed by Labour should never be taken for granted. We should – at all times – remain close to the people, never distancing ourselves from their opinion or judgement. In today’s fast-paced technological world, people read, listen to facts as they unfold and, on the whole, take note of the harm inflicted by fake news or populist opinions. They choose wisely and act accordingly.

As Prime Minister Robert Abela stated time and time again during his first month in office, we need to stay in constant touch with the people and listen attentively to what they have to say about any issue that affects the nation.  Criticism that is based on well-informed facts and intended to be constructive should be the mainstay in the running of the country. With this in mind, it is our duty as Members of Parliament to respect and aknowledge the people’s opinion and create an environment that is balanced, just and equitable.

A hundred year history

We have come a long way as a party. Today, Labour is just as valid as it was a hundred years ago. Our successes have emanated from the fact that we have always stood by people’s aspirations – bringing their needs and expectations to the fore. We have been through hell and high water but have always risen to the occasion and have proved to be a party for change. The secret of our success is innovation, youthful enthusiasm and constant self-evaluation and self-growth. Improving the old and pushing forward new and futuristic concepts has launched our country into the 21st century and beyond, particulary in the last seven years in office.

We are actually mid-way through Labour’s second legislature with a huge amount of our Manifesto’s reforms and initiatives already implemented.  Much more needs to be done, including taking bold steps to strengthen our institutions and implement the necessary fine-tuning of all paths and avenues that will render our rule of law more adept and more functional. We do this of our own accord as the responsible government of a sovereign state and not because we need any foreign entity to tell us to do so. 

Under our own steam

As a nation, we are blessed with brilliant and hard-working women and men. We are more than capable of governing ourselves and setting an example. Continuity includes the vision and courage to change and amend. The bold, courageous and often controversial socio-economic reforms introduced by various Labour Governments throughout history, both under colonial rule and as a self-governing state, have been the catalyst for change for the better.

The clear vision with which past Labour leaders made their decisions has altered the very fabric of our society. We have become a prosperous nation of people who are proud of their heritage and their contribution towards global academic and financial institutions. We are well known for our inherent ability to succeed in everything we set our minds to do. The momentum with which our talents and enthusiasm have placed Malta as a top country within the EU must keep moving forward with even greater vigour – now more than ever. Continuity is the key. The Labour Government’s vision and road-map, now that we are mid-way through this legislature, will continue to be implemented as promised in the election manifesto, always keeping in mind the fundamental values and principles of social justice that have inspired us all along.

Indeed, this is the raison d’être that will lead us to prosper further as a nation, and – as credit rating agencies repeatedly certify –  we will continue to stand tall among other nations as we have done in the past seven years. I am proud to have been part of the team that made all this happen and I will continue to work with vigour for the betterment of our society and even greater successes in the years to come.  

Future generations of Gozitan and Maltese women and men will certainly be proud of our endeavours. The Labour Party in Goverment will, yet again, be written down in history as the Party for change, social justice and freedom – a Party that has the love of the country and its people at heart and that does its utmost to create a just and equitable society.